'Chavistas' grieve as Venezuela prepares for election

Grieving supporters of the late Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez, have paraded his coffin through the streets of Caracas as the country prepares to elect a successor.

Tens of thousands of "Chavistas" marched behind the remains of the flamboyant and outspoken president, draped in Venezuela's blue, red and yellow national flag.

Many wept as a hearse flanked by soldiers in red berets carried his coffin through downtown Caracas and loudspeakers played Mr Chavez's voice singing songs.

Ending one of Latin America's most remarkable populist rules, Mr Chavez died on Tuesday aged 58 after a two-year battle with cancer that was first detected in his pelvis.

His body will be taken to a military academy later on Wednesday (local time) to lie in state for three days.

The future of Mr Chavez's leftist policies, which won him the adoration of poor Venezuelans but infuriated opponents who denounced him as a dictator, now rests on the shoulders of vice president Nicolas Maduro, the man he tapped to succeed him.

Chavez's colourful career

Hugo Chavez will be remembered by supporters as a charismatic and robust president, though critics accused him of leading a personality cult. Look back on his colourful career.

"In the immense pain of this historic tragedy that has affected our fatherland, we call on all the compatriots to be vigilant for peace, love, respect and tranquillity," Mr Maduro said.

"We ask our people to channel this pain into peace."

Mr Maduro, a 50-year-old former bus driver and union leader, will probably face Henrique Capriles, governor of Miranda state, in the next election in the OPEC nation with the world's largest oil reserves.

The stakes are huge for the region, given the crucial economic aid and cheap fuel the Chavez government supplied to allies across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Authorities said the vote would be called within 30 days, as stipulated by the constitution, but did not specify the date.

One recent opinion poll gave Mr Maduro a strong lead over Mr Capriles, in part because he has received Mr Chavez's blessing as his heir apparent, and he is likely to benefit from the surge of emotion following the president's death.

Close to Cuba

The tall, moustachioed Mr Maduro has long been a close ally of Mr Chavez.

He immediately pledged to continue the legacy and is unlikely to make major policy changes soon.

Military commanders have pledged loyalty to Mr Maduro.

Michael Shifter, the president of the Inter American Dialogue, has told the MSNBC news channel that Mr Maduro will continue Venezuela's alliance with Cuba.

"Maduro has very close ties to the Cuban government. He was certainly the Cuban government's favourite candidate to succeed Chavez," he said.

It was not immediately clear where Mr Chavez would be buried. He had ordered a striking new mausoleum built in downtown Caracas for the remains of independence hero Simon Bolivar, his inspiration, and it is due to be finished soon.

"To the pantheon!" shouted Mr Chavez supporters during Wednesday's parade, which was led by Mr Maduro walking just in front of the cortege.

Much of Caracas was quiet overnight, with streets deserted, especially in wealthier districts. Many shops locked their doors in fear of looting as news of Mr Chavez's death spread.

There were long lines outside petrol stations.

Although they had weeks to come to terms with Mr Chavez's likely demise, many of his supporters were overcome with grief.